by KAREN BURNS

A BIKE relay challenge is being organised to raise much-needed funds for Help for Heroes.

A 1,200-mile route has been planned from John O'Groats to Lands End and will include an overnight stop in Colchester on September 10.

Cyclists will head to north Essex from Wisbech before going to Hornchurch and then through London.

The event is being organised by a group of Help for Heroes volunteers, will get underway on August 28 and is due to finish on September 18.

Keen cyclists can take part and participants can cycle all or part of the route, which has been designed for all abilities, including those on recumbent or tandem bikes.

Those who sign up and register will receive a cycling jersey designed specifically for the ride.

Help for Heroes volunteer and former Army chef John Burns said: "This is a completely inclusive ride and you don’t have to be current or former military personnel to take part. Everyone is welcome.

"The camaraderie on the ride will get you through any tough climbs and listening to the stories of the beneficiaries is always very humbling.

"It’s a great atmosphere and an experience you won’t forget."

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Help for Heroes relies on 98 per cent of its income from donations, so the pandemic has forced it to make difficult decisions.

It has been forced to close four recovery centres, including the one in Colchester.

During lockdown last year, Help for Heroes Ambassador Steve Craddock decided to raise money by cycling from his home in Kent to the National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire.

He found that at various points he was joined by fellow riders and friends, keen to encourage him.

It sparked the inspiration for JOGLE, a relay ride from John O'Groats to Lands End, with all proceeds donated to Help for Heroes.

Five volunteers became event organisers and they adjusted the traditional route, increasing the total miles covered from 890 to 1,228.

It will enable those taking part to visit points of interest along the way, including the National Memorial Arboretum, the Desert Rats Memorial, the Cenotaph, in London, and Brookwood cemetery - the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the UK.

For more information, visit the JOGLE Facebook page and join the group HERE.

To make a donation, visit the group’s GoFundMe page HERE.